While working on my Twain's Geography site, currently his tour of India, I frequently reference Ian Strathcarron's book, "The Indian Equator". There is a footnote that reminded me of the recent thread on Twain and Native Americans but also of Twain's feelings about Imperialism: "Many Mark Twain enthusiasts have commented on his life-long dislike of imperialism and the resultant puffed-up vanity of colonialism. The one exception to this rule was the jewel in the crown of imperialism, the British Raj reign of India. Not only did he forgive the British for their incursion but on numerous occasions pointed out how beneficial it was to the natives; how lucky they were to have the British to rule over them." This is footnoted, thus: "He felt something similar about the British treatment of Indians closer to home. In Johannesburg, South Africa, he said: 'Look at the difference between the position of the Canadian Indians and the Indians with whom the United States government has to deal. In Canada the Indians are peaceful and contented enough. In the United States there are continual rows with the government, which invariably ends in the red man being shot down.'” Here are two instances that stand in contrast to our general understanding of Twain - he appears to approve of imperialism/colonialism; and, he appears sympathetic to Native Americans. -- There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. http://bscottholmes.com